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VFTP: Keepin' It Real

by Luke Webber, 30 Jan 06.

Gorrick round one was my first mountain bike race of 2006. So far training has been going well, but with some hard miles recently I was not expecting a great ride. The aim was to ride consistent laps, getting quicker throughout.

When I arrived I took a practice lap around the course on my fully rigid training bike. It was great fun, and some of the loamy corners offered seemingly endless traction. The first half was pretty rooty and bumpy – so I expected to lose a bit of time here – before being able to blast the hills in the middle section and get some good speed in the less bumpy singletrack. Pre-race I hooked up with the usual suspects (George Budd, Nick Evans, Dan Giffin, Gerald Tudor, Jay McStay) who all took the mick out of my rigid 'clunker!'

There were over 50 Sport riders on the line so I was happy with the second row position. However, when the horn went I was bullied out of contention into the thirties. Unfortunately I spent the rest of lap one making a couple places, getting battered and bruised.

Lap two I did not feel good – I was very demotivated as I was not catching anyone and I did think about quitting! However at the end of the lap I caught sight of Nick Evans and was spurred on. I caught him early in lap three and suddenly there were a string of riders ahead! By the end of the lap I was on a roll! I was in 18th beginning lap four and felt very strong. I knocked back a gel and was soon overtaking many more riders and enjoying the fun course at full speed – especially in the singletrack. Next rider in sight was Jay McStay, who I got a push off of – he was surprised I was flying fully rigid! By the finish I was called out tenth – way better than I hoped for and much better than some had expected!

Overall a great day of riding with some great company. Aim next time is to finish top eight and get some points on the board. Oh, and to ride with some suspension!

Final Thought: Today George Budd mentioned that XC racing is getting way better now, with more entries and better atmosphere. I can't agree more.